I can't tell you how many "fine name brand" (and you know who for example: Hermes, YSL, Polo, etc) leather goods manufacturers put a row of stitches on a carrying going perpendicular to the pull at the base of the strap, causing an obvious Break in the strap at that point sometime soon after the buyer's purchase. All they have to do is to keep the strap stitches on the same axis as the pull and straps would last as long as the rest of the bag. Some really top notch leather manufacturers will use a rivet above the in axis stitching, an even better way to ensure longevity of product. My feeling is most "fine leather product" manufacturers today have lost the art of solid build leather craft and/or it is lost on their goods that are manufactured by a subcontractor (outside USA or even the manufacturers' shop).
I recommend anyone interested in making high quality product go to a large thrift shop or consignment joint and take a gander at the old leather goods there with a critical eye- you will learn a lot about what NOT to do.
Cheers from the UWS.
